PHILADELPHIA -- Quarterback Sam Bradford, who was limited throughout OTAs and minicamp, took the first-team snaps on the Eagles' first day of training camp Sunday.

Bradford took the field without a brace on his surgically repaired left knee.

"It was great to get out there and get to run the offense," Bradford said. "There's only so much you can do in 7-on-7 (drills). There's only so much you can learn in meetings. I learn best on the field, getting reps. Just to be out there playing with those guys, getting to know how they fill space, building chemistry with our wide receivers and running backs -- I think that's what I'm most excited about."

The Eagles acquired Bradford in March, trading Nick Foles and a second-round draft pick to St. Louis for the oft-injured first overall pick in the 2010 draft. The Eagles also signed Mark Sanchez, who started eight games in 2014, to a new two-year contract.

Sam Bradford took first-team snaps at training camp Sunday and thinks he will be healthy for the Eagles' regular-season opener. Bill Streicher/USA TODAY Sports

Head coach Chip Kelly said there would be an open competition between Bradford and Sanchez for the starting job.

During OTAs and minicamp, Sanchez ran the first-team offense. Bradford was cleared to take part in drills, but not full-squad sessions. The risk of a player falling or rolling into his left knee was too great.

Since the minicamp ended in June, Bradford remained in Philadelphia, working out with teammates at the NovaCare Complex. It wasn't clear whether he would begin training camp as the No. 1 quarterback or if he'd have to win the job from Sanchez.

Sanchez said his knee felt strong. He expected to be ready to start the Eagles' season opener in Atlanta on Sept. 14.

"Barring any major setbacks or anything, I mean, I feel great about that," Bradford said.

Bradford said this was the most important training camp of his career. He is with a new team, learning a new offense and going into the final season of his original rookie contract.

"Obviously, earlier in my career, I went through [new] offenses every year," Bradford said. "The past three years, I was fortunate enough to be in the same offense. When you're in the same offense, you're not learning new things every day. You're kind of fine tuning. I think it's very important I make the most of every rep I get during this camp."